Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons embraces Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics
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Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons embraces Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics after the Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics at Little Caesars Arena on February 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Boston Celtics are gaining momentum at the right time and the Eastern Conference race may be shifting in their favor.
With the Detroit Pistons facing uncertainty surrounding Cade Cunningham, Boston is beginning to close the gap in the race for the No. 1 seed.
Celtics Surge With Tatum Back
Boston improved to 46-23 after a 120-109 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, trimming Detroit’s lead to 3.5 games with 14 games remaining.
The turnaround has coincided with the return of Jayson Tatum, who recently came back from an Achilles injury. Since rejoining the lineup, the Celtics have gone 4-1, with Tatum averaging 20.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 29.3 minutes across six games as he ramps back up.
While those numbers are below his typical production, they reflect a player still working his way back into rhythm. Last season, Tatum earned his sixth All-Star selection and fourth All-NBA First Team nod after averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 36.4 minutes, underscoring the ceiling Boston could reach as he returns to full strength.
Opportunity Opens After Cunningham Injury
That opportunity became more tangible following the latest news out of Detroit.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cunningham has been diagnosed with a mild collapsed lung and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
“It’s going to be at least a pair of weeks,” Charania said on ESPN’s Get Up, adding that while a playoff return is possible, the timeline remains uncertain.
Cunningham’s absence removes Detroit’s primary playmaker and offensive engine during a critical stretch of the season — a development that could directly impact the standings.
Celtics Face Tough but Manageable Path
Boston’s climb won’t come easy.
The Celtics have 13 games remaining against opponents with a .535 average winning percentage, the seventh-toughest schedule in the league, according to Tankathon.
But with Tatum trending upward and the roster regaining continuity, Boston appears well-positioned to sustain its push.
Pistons Still in Control — For Now
Despite the shift in momentum, the Detroit Pistons remain in first place at 49-19.
The Pistons still hold a critical edge in the race.
Despite Boston’s surge, Detroit owns the head-to-head tiebreaker after winning the season series 3-1 against the Boston Celtics — meaning Boston may need to finish outright ahead in the standings to claim the No. 1 seed.
Detroit is also one win away from its first 50-win season since 2007-08 and still controls its path to the top seed.
However, the margin for error has narrowed significantly.
Knicks Also Lurking
The New York Knicks remain part of the equation as well.
At 46-25, New York sits five games back and owns one of the softer remaining schedules, adding another layer of pressure at the top of the standings.
Race for No. 1 Seed Tightening Down the Stretch
What once appeared to be a comfortable lead for Detroit is quickly becoming a contested race.
The Celtics, fueled by Tatum’s return and upward trajectory, are now within striking distance.
And with Cunningham sidelined for at least part of the remaining schedule, Boston’s path to the No. 1 seed is no longer just a remote possibility — it’s increasingly realistic.
Celtics Positioning for Late Push
Timing may ultimately favor Boston.
With momentum building and their franchise cornerstone trending toward peak form, the Celtics are positioning themselves for a strong finish.
If that trajectory continues, the race for the No. 1 seed could come down to the final days — with Boston firmly in the hunt.